Canadian musical talent has always been varied, but it is rare that you come across an artist who is as unique as Sarah MacDougall. This Swedish/Canadian artist has a sound that is all her own, and has a spectrum of depth that differentiates her from your average small-name artist. This happens to be her second time taking a swing at making an album and the product, I must say, is very impressive. Her beautiful songbird vocals, mixed in with some compelling instrumentation, make a truly excellent CD. The tracks range from deep and moving ballads that evoke images of the great Atlantic Ocean and coast towns, to odd and off-beat songs that are reminiscent of the great Tom Waits. The title track “Across the Atlantic” is a stirring song about returning home after being away for so long and being reunited with friends and family while “Hundred Dollar Bills” is a very different tune with quirky, interesting lyrics and gratuitous use of the tuba. Sarah MacDougall is a brilliant artist and anyone who holds any love for indie Canadian artists in their hearts should seriously consider picking this one up—it has my highest recommendation. Miss MacDougall should be very pleased with what she has created here, because I truly enjoyed it immensely. (Copperspine Records, www.copperspinerecords.com) Holden Bunko
Winnipeg music & culture since 1989